Massachusetts Becomes the Next State to Consider Legalizing Psychedelics

In recent years, the movement to legalize psychedelics across the country has gained significant momentum. At the center of the conversation is psilocybin, the active chemical in certain specimens of mushrooms. Upon ingestion, psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the brain which affects perception, mood, and cognition - often creating a euphoric sensation for the user. In Massachusetts, the conversation to legalize psychedelics has caught the attention of organizations and legislators alike. 

 Clinical trials have suggested that small doses of psilocybin can improve the effects of major depressive disorder in adults where typical antidepressants have been unable to treat their symptoms. This research has helped propel the conversation of legalizing psychedelics such as psilocybin, with grassroots groups pushing for state legislatures to act. 

The movement has found its way into Massachusetts, with organizations such as Bay Staters of Natural Medicine, Heroic Hearts Project, and Decriminalize Nature Massachusetts taking measures to legalize psychedelics in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts for Mental Health Options Committee filed paperwork last week with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, beginning the process to pursue a ballot measure that could decriminalize psychedelics if approved. In their filing, they stated that the intent of their organization is “to expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy.” While the details of the measure are not yet finalized, the intent is to legalize psilocybin for mental health therapy and not for recreational use.

The committee’s efforts come after similar ballot measures have passed in other states. In Colorado, voters passed a ballot measure last November that would decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms for people 21 and older. Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin by ballot measure, passing with 56% of public support in 2020. 

While outside organizations have pushed for ballot measures to legalize psychedelics in the Commonwealth, legislators have also introduced bills that would decriminalize possession of psilocybin. Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D-1st Hampshire) has introduced HB1754, which, if passed, would legalize the possession, ingestion, and sale of up to two grams of psilocybin and related psychedelics for those over 18 years old in the Commonwealth. Similar legislation has also been brought up for consideration, including SB1236 which would establish a pilot program for psilocybin-assisted therapy through the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. 

The movement for legalizing psychedelics has earned bipartisan support in the State House. Republican Representative Nicholas Boldyga (3rd-Hampden) testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for his proposal HB3589, which would decriminalize psilocybin for individuals over 21 years of age. In his testimony, Boldyga urged his colleagues to consider supporting the legislation, emphasizing the impact that it would have on mental health in the Commonwealth. 

“Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the way in a mental health revolution, it's been said that an idea whose time has arrived cannot be stopped,” Rep. Boldyga said.“I believe that time is now for these life saving plant medicines as a new paradigm in how we view and understand and treat mental health is upon us.”

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